We're moving to Europe....

SO I just finished reading this fascinating article in the NY times magazine about the birth rate decline in Europe and I decided that if someone is willing to pay me $15,000 to have a baby and live in Italy, then sign me up!

But seriously, this article, Childless Europe is very interesting and definitely worth a read.

childhood

When I was a kid I would spend hours and hours in the swimming pool playing dolphins and mermaids with my cousins. Although I outgrew that game a couple of years ago, I happen to know lots of little kids that would LOVE these mermaid towels! When I spotted these I thought they were such a darling find but if you are handy with a sewing machine they would be easy as pie to make. If I weren't so busy with baby projects I might make one of these for my niece Abby who is quite the fan of Ariel.

cankles

I have always had pretty skinny ankles and very bony feet, that is until this week when my lower limbs, particularly my right limb, decided to start inflating like balloons. I'd post a picture of my actual feet but it is really just too gross. I now have no bones in my feet and for the first time in my life, definite cankles. This is a sad sad day, and not only is it ugly but my foot always feels like it is asleep. I'm going for a leg ultrasound today to make sure there is no clotting. No more capris or skirts for me until this baby lays off my circulation or decides to join us.

This pretty little lady no longer lives at our house but we're glad we found a new home for her with someone who appreciates the hours of hard work I put in re-upholstering her last year. Goodbye little chair, thanks for being so good to us!

Of course now I am looking for my next project in which I can hopefully employ this gorgeous fabric, which is almost an identical knockoff to the expensive and sought after Kelly Wearstler Imperial Trellis fabric. If you are jealous you can order your own through Britex Fabrics. And meanwhile Dan keeps asking what will happen if all these projects don't get done before little handsome arrives. Let's just not think about that.

fresh air

Last night we lucked out. It seems like every time we try to attend an outdoor event it is canceled because of rain, so yesterday afternoon when it started pouring, I was somehow not surprised. However, luckily for us the skies cleared and left us with a gorgeous night to enjoy Philharmonic in the park with some of our friends. Thanks to Mike and Kathryn for snagging a great spot, it was a fun night although we may have spent more time trying to figure out the difference between a symphony and an orchestra than actually listening, it was definitely a blast, and the fireworks were the perfect ending to a great night!

Weekend update

Busy busy busy and exhausted! That is how I have felt the last little while and I think this weekend was the culmination with almost no time to spare. This was the rundown:

Thursday night: dinner with James (Dan's little brother who was in town) @ Cowgirl, an attempt to introduce him to banana pudding at Magnolia (but the line was longer than we have ever seen it), and a cab ride home that I thought would make me sick!

Friday: While Dan had a whirlwind day touring the city with James and hitting up the Museum of Natural History, and the Yankees game I worked the day away and spent the night rediscovering my 80's self for a work event with dinner at the Pop Burger Lounge and The Cure concert and then as if it hadn't already been a long night, we met up with one of our favorite people, Mike Giepert (who was in town filming a commercial for Nike) at Max Brenner.

Saturday: Should have been a day to sleep in but we were up and at 'em and headed to central park to finally have our Primary party which turned out wonderful. It was so much fun and we had a great turn out, I'll post a few pictures later this week. After spending most the day there I was spent and headed home to take a nap and a lazy evening, that is until Mike and Kathryn called us to head over to one of their favorite new haunts, Levain Bakery. Of course we were immediately out the door and on our way and a couple of hours later after treats, dinner, and an hour long conversation trying to think of names for the babe we were finally home.

As if our weekend hadn't already been crazy we were scheduled to speak in church Sunday morning and only 1/2 way finished with our talks. Needless to say we pretty much crashed yesterday and even though I took a nap and went to bed early I am still tired. I think next weekend I need to schedule in some down time and dig out my ear plugs and sleep mask like Holly Golightly!

little bit o' honey

I'm not a big fan of honey (much too sweet for me) but I think these wedding favors are adorably packaged and adorably displayed! Discovered courtesy of one of my favorite wedding blogs, snippet and ink.

the nest

Dan thinks I am crazy and here is why... You know how they say a nesting instinct kicks in when you are pregnant, well all I can say is that it does and it is really really strong. I always loved doing little projects around the house but in the last couple months I've driven Dan crazy with things like painting the moldings and doors in our whole apartment and recaulking the bathtub. Yes we live in a rental, but I just really need things to be clean and nice, I am sort of obsessed with it.

Well the other thing I have been obsessive about is finishing furnishing our place. Those of you that know me know I love to shop but I am a bargain hunter.I've been on the search for the last 4 months for a couple of pieces, mainly nightstands and some side tables for our couch among other things. I've been on the prowl- craigslist, ebay, and even scouring the local flea markets last weekend hoping to find some great bargain find. I was about to give up my daily craigslist search when low and behold what did I find but a steal on just what I had been searching for, faux bamboo. Let me preface this by saying I have a vision for these and I think they will be amazing when I am done with a little paint and elbow grease. I ended up finding a whole faux bamboo bedroom set for a ridiculously cheap deal. The guy who is selling them is basically getting rid of all his grandfather's old furniture and thinks they are junk. Apparently he has no idea that there is an incredible resale market for these things through ebay and antiques dealers. No complaints though since I am making out like a bandit. I am so excited about my bargain and hopefully I can turn this:

into this:

and sorry Dan, only a couple more weeks and I can transfer my obsessions from nesting to baby!

have your cake

Even though I'm not supposed to indulge in treats like cake and cookies (and here is why), I occasionally do when it is worth the splurge. Well today I had a sampling of cake from One girl cookies, a delightful little place to celebrate a co-workers birthday and I can't stop thinking about it! I just may need to take a field trip to their darling Brooklyn outpost to see for myself. Lucky for all of you they have online ordering.

Happy Birthday Kathryn

I don't do birthday posts anymore because they are too much to keep up with, but I couldn't resist today because it happens to be one of my very favorite girl's birthday, my sister in law Kathryn. Kathryn is like the big sister I never had when I was younger and I loved her immediately when I started dating Dan because she made me feel so welcome in his family. she is beautiful inside and out, she has such a caring heart and she is always serving others. She has more friends than anyone I know and her nieces and nephews adore her, especially because she is always willing to take them to the zoo! We love Kath and we know our little guy will love her too!

Happy birthday darling girl! We wish we could give you a big hug and celebrate with you on your special day!

tourists

Yesterday as I was riding the subway up to meet Dan at Central Park, I had to bite my tongue not to laugh at the family sitting across from me. Picture this, a frumpy mom with short permed hair, a touristy NY shirt, black fanny pack and high tops. A tired dad with girbaud jeans, a trucker hat, and another touristy NY shirt. 5 teenage sons all clad in various touristy NY shirts wearing their jansport backpacks, cameras hanging around their necks and NY tour guide books stuck back in their pockets. At one point the mom started spontaneously mouthing the words to some oldies song. I'm pretty sure they must have been from Morgan or Panguitch Utah, or somewhere in the Midwest. I really wish I could have taken a picture of them and recorded their conversations for your enjoyment. They were just too funny. I totally understand you had to be there, but it just made me wonder what people think of my family when all of us are on vacation.

a simpler time

How is it that I missed this? The Governors Island Lawn party looks like it was a Great Gatsby Lover's dream come true. Then again hot day + costumes + swing dancing + jazz band + me pregnant = Disaster and a cranky Caitlin by the end of the day, poor Dan.

I am glad there will be another one come September...and I thought little baby would have nowhere to sport his seersucker pants. Little did I know. Mark your calendars people, you have exactly 3 months to come up with a fabulous outfit! I love any excuse to get dressed up!

discovered via A Cup of Jo

see spot run

You know when you just can't stop looking at something because it makes you happy? That is how I feel about this cute Dick and Jane fabric that just arrived in the mail. I have some projects up my sleeve for this, mainly a nursing cover if I can pull it off and possibly a portable changing mat to stash in my bag for little bebe!

I also recently ordered an old Dick & Jane Calendar off Amazon for like $5 and I'm working on framing a few of the illustrations to hang in our apt. Using calendars is a great and affordable way to add some art to empty walls, and our walls have remained far too empty for far too long. The best part is, 2008 calendars can be bought ridiculously cheap online. Happy hunting!

home sweet home

As much as I hate to admit this, our DVR is one of my favorite things. How wonderful is it to be able to to watch what you want to watch on T.V. when you want to watch it? Like most who share my love for DVR I usually end up recording more shows than I ever get around to watching, but it is nice to have them there for a lazy day or to help through a mountain of ironing.

Two shows that I recently added to my recording list have quickly become favorites, Design Inc. and Room Service. Depending on where you live both shows can be found either on HGTV or Fine Living and I have to say I think their format is perfect for a home design show, they show you how they do what they do, and they bring together beautiful rooms! You can browse the rooms from each episode on the web sites for the shows and find out more about the host, Sarah Richardson and all her designs. I think what I love most is how she balances comfort and style in her designs. If you have time, or DVR be sure to check out her show. I learned last night how to make a silver leaf headboard and now I am itching for a little DIY project. I'll let you know if I ever get around to it.

happy to help

Yesterday was like Christmas, in June. We are sitting calmly at lunch when my boss walks in and asks myself, and a another pregnant co-worker if we can help him with a little project. Of course, he is the boss, so we happily oblige. He mentions that he is looking at investing in a certain maternity clothing company and wonders if we'll go do a field test and a little market research for him by shopping at the store and reporting back to him. Then he hands us each of $300 dollars in cash and told us to have fun.

Fun it definitely was, after all it is easy to have fun with someone else's money. Too bad I am nearing the end of my days with child so I won't get much wear out of my new purchases, but it was still nice to pick up a few new things to accommodate my ever growing belly.

I'm melting

New York today is unbearably hot. I mean sweltering hot. I mean so hot that all you people with easy access to swimming pools really should feel sorry for me. I honestly thought I was going to pass out on the way to work this morning since it must have been about 11o degrees in the subway tunnel. Apparently it is 98 outside, but all I know is it is hot and miserable. Note to self, avoid being pregnant in summer if possible.

Anyhow, the awful heat has led me to a conclusion. You know how offices and schools have snow days in the winter where it is just too awful to leave the house and everything shuts down? Well I think the same rules should apply for really hot miserable days in the summer where all you want to do is sip lemonade and sit by an air conditioner. I seriously think the commute was hazardous to my health today.

I am buying ten gallons of lemonade on the way home tonight to get me through the next few weeks. But for any of you that have the time to actually make it, here is a yummy recipe for lemonade from Martha

32 weeks and counting

I really hate these belly pictures because there is no way to take them without a stupid expression on my face-but since lots of the family and friends keep asking. Here you go.

getting ready for baby

I've been a busy tired girl lately, but I have had a few craft projects I've been working on for the little bambino. I ordered some great printable iron transfer paper online and I've been jazzing all the white cotton I have lying around waiting for baby.

some burp cloths waiting for the little guy
I can wait to dress him up in these and his little brown sweat pants.

shake it up

Anyone who has come to visit us in New York has been required to make the pilgrimage to the shake shack which we are basically obsessed with. A couple of months ago I remember reading some article about a pregnant woman who ate a black and white shake almost ever day the last 2 months of her pregnancy. I remember thinking that was a really great idea if you wanted to have a fat fat baby and I totally judged her. Now I find myself checking the flavor calendar every couple of days to see when it is worth a trip down there- I can't make it today, but you can bet I'm heading down for some blackberry custard sometime this month.

Pregnant lady with the black and white shakes, if you are out there, my judgement is totally withdrawn!

yummy

Dan and I love the food network, in fact I would venture to say it is one of our top 5 favorite channels. Any of you who are food network aficionados will have seen some of the intense cooking competitions they have televised every so often. We are always saying to ourselves how fun it would to go to one of these events and sample the best of the best.

Well luckily, we don't have to go far because this weekend is the Big Apple BBQ Block Party in Madison Square Park. there are pit masters coming from some of the yummiest BBQ restaurants all around the country to share some of the best that BBQ has to offer, and along with that there will be all sorts of music and entertainment throughout the day.

Sounds like a recipe for fun. Ribs anyone?

Summer in the city

New York is always great, but it is really great in the summer when everyone comes out of hiding and there are a million and one things to do! I've added a new link list to the sidebar of my blog with some links to information about the summer activities like the Bryant park movies and other fun things do. So if you are a New Yorker like me, or just visiting, be sure to check out the links for fun things going on around the city, I'll try to keep updating it as the summer goes on.

you can find great things on etsy

These sweet little silhouettes from Sarah + Abraham are my latest find. You can order these in a variety of custom silhouettes and colors and I'm especially loving the personalized stationary!

sweet and simple

I love this nursery via style court. It is so simple and practical and refreshing. When can I move in?

summer soiree

I was browsing online for ideas for the big Primary party this week and I came across these cute sand pail invites. These would be so easy to make with some decorative paper and a little bit of wire. We already did invites for the party but if someone takes a crack at these, send me the results!

more than you ever wanted to know

I have been tagged by Paloma, a blogging friend who has great style and although I don't always play along with these, I was in the mood this time. Feel free to stop reading if you think these are boring.

What I was doing 10 years ago:
Walking around the neighborhood with all my gal pals and bumming rides off all our older siblings who were so cool. Or on occasion we'd steal one of our parents cars and drive them around the block, oooh we were such rebels. We spent the whole summer hanging out at my pool or the TC soaking up as much sun as we could get and trying to get attention from older boys. I went to camp in the Tetons and spent all day working on the farm, hiking, fishing and loving it, I bet you never would have guessed I can be sort of outdoorsy. My friends and I were all getting ready to start high school and thought that made us so cool. Ohh and I probably spent way to much time primping to hang with boys who I realize now were not worth the effort. Ironically I am still best friends with lots of the girls who were my best friends 10 years ago. Wow!

Five things on my to-do list today:

Go to work
Clean my apartment

Get through a mountain of ironing

Finish thank you notes from my baby shower

Return some phone calls

Buy some vitamins

Snacks I enjoy:
Watermelon or pretty much any kind of fruit, and almonds

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
City parks. I would donate money to make all the city parks in Salt Lake as awesome as the ones in New York. I'd save some, buy a modest apartment in NY and great home in Salt lake and travel with Dan. Then I'd let Dan invest the rest and every year we'd live off half of the interest and spend my time giving the other half of the interest to charitable causes I could stand behind.

Places I would want to live:

To be practical...San Francisco... To have a dream come true... Paris...To have an adventure... Thailand...To be happy and simple... a beautiful farm somewhere.

Places I'd go on vacation again and again:
Italy-pretty much anywhere in the country, though I love Tuscany and the south

Jackson Hole- I'm am a mountain girl at heart

Newport Beach- a great beach town with a million things to do

Lake Powell- Always will remind me of family trips growing up with some of our family friends, and the best sunsets anywhere.

I'm not going to tag anyone specific, but if any of you are looking for a way to kill time, I just knocked out about 20 minutes. Go for it.

warm and fuzzy

The other night as I was taking inventory of our baby items, it occurred to me that there was something missing. Something every child needs...Their very own sock monkey. Since then I have been scouring the Internet in search of a cute crafted one, or instructions on making my own (wouldn't these make cute baby gifts). In the process of my search on etsy I came across these hilarious sock monkey cards and I had to smile because they definitely made me laugh.

I think this last one has to be my favorite!

what's in a name?

Now that we're approaching the definite countdown I keep getting asked the same question- Do you have a name picked out?

Well here is the answer...not even close. Luckily Dan and I mostly agree on the types of names we like and we have a list of about 10 names that are possibilities but we are not really attached to any of them any we are still looking for other options. We're not trying to be secretive or surprise anyone, we just really aren't set on anything- so until we meet little Miles/James/Benjamin/Nelson/Elliott/Winston/ etc. we just won't decide. Hopefully once we see him something will just stand out...hopefully.

On a another note, our friend Brian told us an awesome story about how his aunts and uncles got named and it definitely made me laugh. according to Brian, his grandparents named their first two children pretty traditionally after a paternal and maternal grandparents, so by the time they were rolling around to their third, they decided to let the kids choose. Ironically their next four children ended up with names of cartoon characters...so whenever anyone asks his Aunt Betty who she is named after, she can honestly reply Betty Boop. This reminds me of the time when I was 10 and my cousins decided they were going to name their kids after video game characters, although these days I am not so sure if they'd actually want to name their children Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Princess, but it sure would be original!